Shah Abbas: The remaking of Iran (DVD)

Shah 'Abbas was one of Iran's most
influential leaders. Combining his ruthless ambition with a
desire for stability, he left a far-reaching mark on the society
and artistic heritage of Iran, renovating the country's
spectacular shrines and transforming its trading relations with
the rest of the world. This rare DVD brings together an amazing
array of treasures that were given to Iran's shrines during Shah
'Abbas's reign. It traces the story of the Safavid dynasty
(1501-1722), a period of dynamic religious and political
development in Iran. Art and architecture flourished and
achieved new heights of beauty and brilliance with the creation
of the magnificent shrines at Ardabil, Mashhad and Qum. During
this so-called Golden Age of Persian art, Shah 'Abbas renovated
these shrines and donated to them priceless works of art
including sumptuous carpets, silks, porcelain and albums, many
of which are illustrated here in glorious detail. He also
created the new capital at Isfahan his crowning artistic
achievement where he rebuilt his empire surrounded by an inner
circle of great artists and thinkers. From here he encouraged
foreigners to come to Iran and welcomed the opportunity to open
up trading links with Europe. This fascinating DVD looks in
detail at this turning-point in Iran's history. It investigates
the context of Shah Abbass gifts and renovations; it also
explores how these shrines functioned in the early seventeenth
century and the ways in which practices and beliefs initiated
under the Safavids are reflected in the world-famous shrines at
Mashhad and Qum of today..